So pleased to have known Alan. A lovely guy who always left you feeling happy after meeting up or just speaking on the phone. Will be missed. Love Pat B

Shep was deliberate in his speech then he'd surprise us with his dry sense of humour. He was laid back, loved jazz - especially the great U.S. pianist Bill Evans. Not only did Shep share these same characteristics with my late husband Al, they also had the same birthday, Shep being one year ahead. He enjoyed our annual jazz parties (his bread pudding was the best ever!) and he was always a welcome guest for that and for staying overnight to help with the clearing up. I can picture him now, washing up endless piles of plates and glasses in baby baths in the garden! Adding the above interests to his extensive engineering experience and love of sophisticated model aeroplanes meant that Shep was one of those rare people whose amusing, varied yet practical conversations were never too long for me. Happy memories of the 'Herder of the Sheep', as he used to sign his cards. God bless you, Shep. Carole

Alan, You were a one-off, and we are proud to have known you. We will seriously miss you - and all the fun we had together. Rest in peace, chap. Mo and Godfrey.